Marengo Weekly: September 27, 2026

Marengo Weekly
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Everything happening in Marengo, delivered every week.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2026 ISSUE NO. 16
THIS WEEK'S ISSUE IS SUPPORTED BY
Sunstone Glow and Wellness
Tanning, red light therapy and recovery, now open on Grant Highway
Paid placement. Sponsors have no say in what we cover.

This week: the council meets Monday to talk about undoing a 2018 promise at the I-90 interchange, the township board got an insurance renewal 17 percent higher, the solar farm south of town is moving again, and a look at what Marengo's two TIF districts have actually done since 2011.

THIS WEEK'S STORIES
TOP STORY
GOVERNMENT · SEPTEMBER 26
The Marengo City Council will discuss Monday whether to back away from a 2018 resolution in which the city agreed not to pursue or support new access onto Route 23 at the I-90 interchange. The land a new access road would reach includes a site the council approved for a travel center in 2023. This story also carries more of our own analysis than we usually run, and it says plainly what we cannot confirm.
 
MEETING RECAPS
MEETING RECAPS · SEPTEMBER 23
Marengo Township's board got a health insurance renewal quote 17 percent higher than this year's and sent it back to the broker for options. The highway commissioner has a state salt contract this winter when seven or eight nearby agencies do not, and the township will meet with IDOT about the Route 23 and River Road intersection.
 
GOVERNMENT
GOVERNMENT · SEPTEMBER 22
A 300-megawatt solar farm covering more than 2,600 acres around Marengo was approved in 2021, then went quiet for five years. We read the federal grid filings, county land records, and years of local meeting minutes to find out what happened, who owns it now, and which deadlines it is up against.
 
GOVERNMENT
GOVERNMENT · SEPTEMBER 21
The city has been setting aside downtown property taxes since 2011, and the fund has never been bigger. Here is what a TIF district is, what Marengo's two have done, and why the next thing the money buys is a parking lot.
Events This Week
What's happening around Marengo
27
SUN
Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast
The Knights of Columbus monthly pancake breakfast is back for the season in the Sacred Heart parish hall. $10, all you can eat. Proceeds go to the council's general fund, which it uses to help people in need. All are welcome.
 
28
MON
City Council Meeting
Regular Marengo City Council meeting, 7:00 pm at City Hall, 132 E Prairie St. Open to the public.
 
28
MON
Read to a Dog
Happening every 4th Monday (unless otherwise noted) at 4p.m. Practice reading and spend some time with a four-legged friend who can't wait to hear your "tail". Our gentle comfort dog loves listening! Free; registration required at muld.org.
 
28
MON
The Teen Scene
Hang out with a cool crew every fourth Monday! Join other teens for interactive activities, creative projects, and plenty of fun! This week: Happy Little Paintings Channel your inner Bob Ross during this relaxing painting night! Free; registration required at muld.org.
 
29
TUE
Preschool Storytime
Preschool Storytime is the perfect place for little learners to enjoy stories, songs, and activities that build early literacy skills while having fun with friends. Caregivers are encouraged to join in on the fun! Free; registration required at muld.org.
 
29
TUE
Chair Yoga
Join us for a relaxing session of Chair Yoga, a gentle form of yoga done while seated or using a chair for support. Perfect for all fitness levels, this class focuses on stretching, breathing, and improving flexibility, no floor work required! Free; registration required at muld.org.
 
29
TUE
Cards and Tiles
Join us for Mahjong and maybe even a game of Pinochle! Beginners are always welcome. Free; registration required at muld.org.
 
29
TUE
Property Tax Workshop
The McHenry County Treasurer's office hosts a workshop on how your property tax bill works, at the Marengo Park District. Free and open to the public. Announced at the September 14 city council meeting; date and time per the county's event listing.
 
30
WED
Marengo Girls Volleyball vs. Woodstock North
Marengo hosts Woodstock North in varsity girls volleyball, 6:00 pm at the high school main gym, 110 Franks Rd.
 
1
THU
Toddler Storytime
Toddler Storytime encourages a love of reading through age-appropriate stories, music, and movement. Perfect for toddlers and their caregivers to enjoy together. Free; registration required at muld.org.
 
1
THU
Roll for Adventure
Join us for an evening of dice, dragons, and daring quests! This Dungeons & Dragons program meets Thursdays from 5-8 PM. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or new to the game, all are welcome to explore new realms and forge epic stories together. Free; registration required at muld.org.
 
2
FRI
Marengo Football vs. Johnsburg
Marengo hosts Johnsburg in varsity football, 7:00 pm at the high school stadium, 110 Franks Rd.
 
2
FRI
Youth Craft Take Home Creations
This month: pony bead pumpkins. Free; registration required at muld.org.
 
2
FRI
Mini Crafters Take Home Creations
This month: paper plate pumpkins. Free; registration required at muld.org.
 
3
SAT
US Air Force Band Concert
Venue in the Park concert series, 6:30–8:00 pm at Indian Oaks Park, 825 Indian Oaks Trail. Gates open 30 minutes before. Free admission.
 
3
SAT
Adult Craft
This week: Gothic silhouette shadow frames. Free; registration required at muld.org.
 
3
SAT
Teen After Hours: Shrek-tacular Movie Night!
Escape to Far Far Away and join us after the library closes for a night of ogre-sized fun! We'll watch Shrek, create a themed craft, enjoy snacks, and hang out with friends. This is one fairy tale night you won't want to miss! Free; registration required at muld.org.
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